Gene:
interleukin 18 binding protein
Gene ID:
197977
Symbol:
IL18BP
Species:
1000
Description:
The protein encoded by this gene is an inhibitor of the proinflammatory cytokine IL18. This protein binds to IL18, prevents the binding of IL18 to its receptor, and thus inhibits IL18-induced IFN-gamma production. This protein is constitutively expressed and secreted in mononuclear cells. The expression of this protein can be enhanced by IFN-gamma. An elevated level of this protein is detected in the intestinal tissues of patients with Crohn disease. Four alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.